Allum: “I’d love to represent T&T in squash at the 2028 Olympics!”

“[…] In the book, Shogun, a character uses his mind to outsmart and defeat all his opponents. This really impacted me because squash can be described as physical chess and strategy is a big part of the game.

“Reading the book helped me develop better focus and mental toughness, which is crucial in squash…”

Wired868 sheds light on the everyday lives of Trinbagonians in our ongoing series: ‘A day in the life…’

Today, we speak to talented teenaged squash player and Presentation College (San Fernando) student Anthony Allum:

Who is Anthony Allum?

I am your average 17-year-old who is fun, outgoing, a sports enthusiast and a passionate squash player. I also enjoy playing volleyball, football and dragon boating. Like any typical teenager, I enjoy liming with my friends, watching movies and reading.

I was my Form 5 class valedictorian and recipient of the Most Outstanding Student award in 2024. I topped my school at CSEC in history, POB and Art.

What school do you attend?

I am a lower six student at Presentation College, San Fernando.

What first drew you to playing squash, and how old were you when you started?

I was six years old when I fell in love with squash. Believe it or not, I was hooked by the excitement of the game. The energy and speed of the game really captivated me. As a six-year-old boy, that’s all you can really ask for.

Who is your biggest inspiration in squash and why?

My biggest inspirations in squash are my first coach, Rhea Khan, and my current coach, Sheldon Skeete.

Ms Khan introduced me to the sport and developed my love for it. Watching her play was magical. She could do everything on the court. She is a very accomplished player and her journey has motivated me.

Mr Skeete fosters a great mentality as an athlete and a person. As a young man, he is a great inspiration and role model. He enables me to develop into who I want to be.

How do you balance the demands of your sport with your academic responsibilities?

I’ll be honest here—I don’t know exactly how I do it. Balancing squash and school is definitely challenging, but at the end of the day, you just have to do it. I don’t have a set routine that I follow, but I do my best, both at school and playing squash. I ensure I attend all my classes and do all my assignments on time while also making time for training.

What’s your dream college or university, and what makes it a perfect fit for you?

It’s a dream for anyone to attend an Ivy League school like Harvard or Yale. I haven’t really thought about it yet, but I would love to go to a university like Penn State, Trinity College, or Drexel that offers an exceptional academic program and a top-notch squash program. This combination would fit my ambitions perfectly, both on and off the court.

What are your ambitions for the future in squash?

Squash has been added as a new sport to the 2028 Olympic Games. It would be an honour to represent my country at this level. I would like to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 2028 Olympics and one day become an Olympian myself.

What has been your most memorable match so far, and what made it so special?

This must be the National U-19 Junior Championship I participated in this year. It was a memorable competition as I had to beat my compatriot and friend Nicholas Lequay to win my first national title. It was a dream come true because all the sacrifices, early mornings, late training and preparation for this tournament paid off.

How do you celebrate your big and small victories?

Whether it’s a big or small victory, I celebrate with my family and friends. At home, I might spend time with my family and enjoy a nice meal or go out and celebrate with my friends. I also take a nice day off and go for a sweat. Football is my leisure sport.

Could you share a challenge you’ve faced while playing squash and how you overcame it?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was losing my love for squash. I lost my passion for the game and was drawn to football because all my friends at the time played football. So naturally, I wanted to do the same.

In 2023, after winning my division, I had a moment that I had not trained for. I asked myself, what if I really took the game seriously and trained? I overcame this challenge by changing my mindset and fell in love with the sport again.

Can you tell us about a recent book or movie that deeply impacted you?

Shogun by James Clavell. In the book, a character uses his mind to outsmart and defeat all his opponents. This really impacted me because squash can be described as physical chess and strategy is a big part of the game.

Reading the book helped me develop better focus and mental toughness, which is crucial in squash.

What’s your pre-match ritual, if you have one?

I like to listen to music before a game, especially soca music, because it keeps me in a particular zone and isn’t too overbearing. I also like to walk around and watch other matches. It helps me stay calm and warm while I visualise my game plan.

If you could play a match with any squash player in the world, who would it be and why?

Sharing the court with Ramy Ashour would be an honor and a dream come true. He is my idol and one of the best players to play the sport. His style of play and the things he does on the court are incredible. It would definitely be a learning experience.

How do you handle the pressure of competition?

Pressure is part of being an athlete. You cannot escape it. I have learned to embrace it because it’s all about preparation and mindset. At the end of the day, I focus on my training and trust in my abilities. I do what I have to do to excel.

What role does nutrition and physical fitness play in your life?

Nutrition and fitness play an important role in my performance. They go hand in hand. A balanced diet provides my body with energy both during training and competitions.

Proper hydration is also essential. Physical fitness, such as strength training and cardio, ensures that my body can cope with the physical demands of the sport.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from your coach?

“Relax and play your game. You have done everything you can to prepare, so relax.”

This advice is invaluable. It keeps me grounded and reminds me to focus on my game and not get distracted by who I play against. It’s all about controlling what I can and doing my best.

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off from school and sports?

I am a sociable person, so on a day off, I like to go out and lime with my friends or play football. I also enjoy staying home, relaxing with my family, watching movies and playing cards.

What kind of community or support network do you have and how do they help you succeed?

I am fortunate to have an incredible support network committed to the cause. My family, coach, teammates and friends all support me and want me to succeed. My family makes many sacrifices and ensures I have everything I need.

My coach encourages me and believes in me, which helps to motivate me and keep me going. What more could I ask for?

What’s your biggest sacrifice to be where you are today in your sport?

I gave up my second favourite sport, volleyball. I was on the U-19 National Volleyball team in 2022 and was also very passionate about it. It was a difficult decision because I was really good at it. I had to pick between the two and I chose squash. My passion for squash and the goals I’m working towards are worth it.

Where do you see yourself in ten years, and what are you most excited about for your future?

In 10 years, I should have completed my degree and master’s and be playing squash professionally. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to compete on the world stage at the Olympics and other international tournaments.

I also want to become an Olympian and, most of all, be healthy and happy.